Katie Daisy

How to Be a Wildflower

2016-02-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

Today I celebrate the release of my first published book, “How to Be a Wildflower: A Field Guide.” This book is my very heart and soul translated to paper. It’s a glimpse into my past and present, and the enormous amount of the beauty I have encountered in the natural world.

This book is largely inspired by a handful of my favorite memories:

Driving my orange VW van along the California Coast to Big Sur,

Marveling at a dusk firefly extravaganza in the Blue Ridge Mountains,

Looking for The Mystery Lights in Marfa, Texas,

And getting lost (but pleasantly so) after a 10 mile canoe trip down the Mississippi River. (I can still feel the warm rain of that day and smell the tall green grass we waded through to find the trail.)

It’s moments like these that I hope never fade. So I paint them. I write them out. I make lists of moments, of flavors, of words that stir up these memories like a wild Midwestern thunderstorm. But goodness no, it’s not all about the past. The reason these moments are so memorable is because I was completely and utterly present for them. I was fully alive and enraptured by the simple beauty of the moment: stumbling upon a secret patch of wildflowers, my canoe paddle dipping into still water, or having my hair tangled from swimming in the hot summer creek.

I created How to Be a Wildflower as a reminder to take note of this beauty and magic that surrounds us — To harness the present moment and savor all the rich simplicity that abounds… if only we can open our eyes and hearts to it.

I believe this art of savoring bloomed from my rural Illinois roots. As a child, I was constantly enveloped and embraced by nature. It was easy and natural to be present. There would be daily tromps through cornfields to the creek, hours spent gazing up at cloud animals, half-afternoons of plucking 4-leaf clovers from the yard, nights filled with coyote howls and stargazing… it was a beautiful and wonder-filled existence. As an adult, I can see this same wonder in my son's eyes as he watches a caterpillar or studies a single leaf.

I almost lost sight of this magic upon moving to Minneapolis to go to college. I was eager to start a new chapter, but I dreaded moving to a big city, away from the fields and rivers I’d known as home. What I didn’t know at the time was how the move would only strengthen my love for nature and uncover the fact that it is absolutely necessary for my well-being and creativity. I was soon taking note of all of the natural beauty within the city: the Icelandic poppies that sprouted up nearby the coffee shop every spring, the huge oak trees across from my apartment, or the lush ivy that created a screen across my windows. Beauty was everywhere once I opened my eyes to it.

I’ve since moved some 2,000 miles away from my hometown and have experienced the most jaw-dropping, epic sights in nature. From cliffside sunsets on the Pacific Ocean, or standing so tiny beneath giant Sequoias. I’ve also encountered smaller, simpler bits of beauty, which are arguably just as grand as the sweeping views and giant trees.

How to Be a Wildflower is full of these simple, yet magical things to take note of… ways to find that magic, ways to keep that magic, and ways to make that magic useful in your everyday life.

The world is so full of noise and chaos that we must often find a way to retreat and recharge to a simpler way of life. We need to get back to these beautiful sacred spaces among the trees and tall grass and summer rainstorms. We need to remember that life is still beautiful and still sacred. We must not lose our eyes for seeing all the wonder that surrounds us.

It is my greatest hope that my book will be your field guide to uncovering beauty and creating your own type of magic in life. We all have this ability inside of us. Some of us use it on a daily basis, and others might need to find it again. But I do know, deep in my heart, that it’s there.

Life gives us daily opportunities to be enchanted by our surroundings. Let's make a vow to notice this beauty and live in awe.

So.
Here's to
many adventures,
miles of wildflowers,
& being completely overwhelmed with joy.

Love,
Katie Daisy

Purchase How to Be a Wildflower here. Published by Chronicle Books.

How to be a Wildflower Book Trailer from Gabriel James on Vimeo.

I have a brand, I have a soul.

2015-01-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hey. We need to talk.

I have some stuff I need to get off my chest.

But before I do, let me first say this.

Thank you.

Thank you to my fans and followers who have supported me for years. Thank you for buying prints from my Etsy shop. Thank you for supporting my decisions of who I decide to partner with in business, and above all, thank you for the heaps of love and encouragement I receive on a daily basis. For this, I am immensely grateful.

With that said, I need to address a few comments I received this week along with my big Barnes & Noble launch (a branded end cap in stores nationwide.)

"Beware of becoming a 'stuff' artist."

"Becoming a brand is soulless."

"Find a better [partner] or your work will become yesterday's news."

"I hope you appreciate your gift more than fast cash."

"No more big box stores."

Yeah, I could just shake these things off, and believe me, I do, but this is bringing up some things I'd like to share.

I get it. I get how you could be worried.

But guess what? (here's where I stand on my soapbox.)

1. I'm constantly aware of the fact that I could be deemed as a "stuff" artist. Some people make "stuff" for a living and that's just fine. For me, I'm a painter first and a commercial artist next. It's a fine line to walk. It's a balancing act. I am constantly evaluating the amount of licensed goods I have in the world and balancing that with how much I paint. If wanted to become an exclusive "stuff" artist (goodness, I just love that term so much.), I would have shut down my Etsy shop a long time ago and moved the whole operation to a factory. But here's the deal. I paint what I want. I paint what comes to me. Then I sell prints of it in my online shop. And if someone inquires about using that art on a notebook, journal, or planner, they get put through a rigorous test. It's called, "Are you my ideal client/licensee?" I ask them and myself: Are you a good fit for me and my brand? Will my art be honored on your product? Will this product better the world or inspire someone? Can I sell the product in my Etsy shop directly to my fan base? If all signs point to yes, then YES! We might be able to work together. Contrary to some folk's beliefs, I don't just sign any agreement that comes my way. In fact, saying NO has been a trend this past year.

2. I'm aware that becoming a brand could zap the soul right out of your business if it's not done right. But I'll let you in on a little secret. My brand is an extension of me. It's an extension of my soul. "Katie Daisy" was born one day on a sketchbook page in my product design class. I wrote down all of the colors and words associated with my brand. What does the brand "Katie Daisy" feel like? Well, obviously it feels like a summer breeze in a small midwestern farm town. What does the brand Katie Daisy smell like? Purple clover, of course. The colors? Sunflower yellow, asparagus green, strawberry red, twilit-sky blue. What type of packaging works with my brand? Brown kraft mailers and baker's twine - anything that looks "of the prairie." It has been so easy to "brand" and market my work because it's an extension of my spirit. It's an authentic, soulful business, rooted so deeply in the earth. I've also defined my brand's values (love, oneness, positivity, beauty, freedom) and anti-values (fear, hate, cynicism, anger, aggression). This helps immensely when deciding whether or not to work on a specific project. Becoming a brand is not soulless. I absolutely love branding. For me, it's taking everything I love so dear (the art, packing materials, smells, flavors, sounds, words, fonts, etc.), and wrapping it up with a big bow.

3. Five years ago when I was fresh out of college, I was contacted by a big box store to do a page of spring-themed art for them. I did it for a flat fee and zero artist credit on the product. Despite that, I was elated. My art appeared on 15+ products in every one of their stores across the country. I was proud. But part of me felt cheated. Why couldn't I have credit? How will anyone know to contact me for further deals? I wish I had more control of where they positioned that butterfly... From that point on, I knew that I wanted to be known and not anonymous. I wanted control of my art. Becoming a branded artist isn't necessarily easy, but it is possible if you remain true to your vision and work hard. Don't follow trends, start them. Paint what you want, what feels good. Be true to YOU.

4. Things are changing with big box stores. Have you noticed the endcaps in several big chains devoted to designers or "small," independent artists? Have you noticed hang tags that actually credit the artist? Have you seen artist lines in big-named catalogs? If you haven't, try looking a little closer. They're everywhere, and will only continue to grow. I wholeheartedly believe that larger corporations are seeing the value of the independent artist. Consumers want something more these days. They want something original. They want something with soul. They want something that can't be automated or mass-produced. They want independent. They want small. And boy-oh-boy is that good news for us, the independent artist. I personally think it's AWESOME that places like West Elm and Anthropologie are teaming up with Etsy artists so they can have a broader reach. Which brings me to my next point...

5. So you want to support me until I am too big? This is something I just don't get. People who cry "SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS!!" and then when that artist actually does have success, there's uproar. "you're a sellout!" But wait, I thought you wanted me to have success? You'll only support me if I'm struggling?

6. This is the one that really stings... but mostly makes me laugh. "I hope you appreciate your gift more than fast cash." Really? Really...? I am incredibly appreciative of the fact that I can do what I love for a living. I would never choose an opportunity just because the cash is good. In fact, I turned down a gig a couple years ago that could've made 100k. Why? Because I strive for authenticity. That client didn't pass the "are we a good match?" test, and could've hurt my business down the road. Also, I'll let you in on another little secret... I make more money selling direct-to-customer than I do with any of my "big-name" contracts.

So... To the few of you out there who have harsh words and feelings about what I'm up to: Please don't be so quick to judge. There is a whole hell of a lot of thought and love and soul put into every single decision I make in my business. And not to sound too proud, but I think I'm doing a pretty good job. I am a business. I will continue to grow. Please trust that I'm doing that in the truest way I know how.

And again, thank you to those who have stuck with me since my early days. I could never have gotten this far without you.

With Love and gratitude, always:

Katie Daisy. an artist. an individual. a brand. a business. a soul. What's the difference?

The Journey

2014-06-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

Well guys, it's been two years since my last entry. You could say I'm a pretty awful blogger ;) Besides the little snippets I share on Instagram and Facebook, I'm pretty quiet about my personal life on social media. I guess that's both intentional and not, but tonight I felt the need to share a little more. I want to share a bit about the incredible journey I've had so far in my 26 years.

First off, let me apologize if you see Papyrus headers on this page. They're definitely not supposed to be there. I wouldn't use the font Papyrus in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 years. (I don't even know how many that is, but even then!) My headers used to be a really lovely font, but I think my typekit subscription probably expired in the two years that I've been absent.

Ok. Now for the good stuff:

I want to catch you up on my story, if you're not familiar. Around this time four years ago, I was feeling the need for a change. I had recently graduated from art school and was living in Minneapolis. I often felt pulled to Asheville, North Carolina although I had never been. Heck, I didn't even know anyone who had been. I just felt a magnetism. I decided to take a huge leap of faith and GO. I packed up my car with all my possessions (watercolors, sundresses - you know, all the important things) & moved to the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

I decided to try my luck in a great big cabin in the country, sight-unseen. The entire upper floor was mine - equipped with a claw foot bathtub, cathedral ceilings, and my own private balcony that overlooked a meadow & the misty mountains. At night, the breeze would dance through the windows and sounds of frogs, bugs, and other nighttime critters lulled me to sleep. This was around the time my Etsy shop started to boom and way before I even thought of hiring an assistant. I filled oodles of orders from my bed.

This fairytale, out-of-a-dream house was built and inhabited by Leah, a kindred spirit who I now see as one of my guardian angels. I remember when I first stumbled out of my car at the house on the hill - it was magic hour and the sun turned everything into gold. Leah could tell I was exhausted from my 17 hours on the road & handed me a glass of white wine. She then showed me my room. For the next few months I literally thought I was in a dream.

Living in the basement of the house was the bright and sunny Pamela who taught me a great deal about loving the planet and all the critizens that inhabit it. She took in many-a-stray critters to rehabilitate them or find them new homes. She is a beam of light and anyone who encounters her is lucky indeed. Loveeta lived next door on the hill and offered a wealth of knowledge when it came to baking, sewing, gardening, and so many other things. I remember picking blackberries with her near the horse pasture and being inspired by all her crafty endeavors. For the next 2 years of living in North Carolina, I grew as an artist and woman, uncovering my authenticity and finding my true voice. Being around these strong, creative women really pushed me to dive into life and follow my dreams.

One day in September (I think), Pamela found a stray kitten behind her studio in nearby Weaverville. She scooped him up and tried to find his owners by putting up posters around town. “Why don’t you just keep him in your room until we find who he belongs to?” She suggested to me. Though I knew exactly what she was up to! My intention of moving to North Carolina was to feel “free” and untethered… as much as I absolutely loved cats, I didn’t think I was ready to take on the responsibility of caring for another living being. Days went by and there were no signs that this kitten ever had a home. I became more and more attached to this little feline until one day he told me his name. It was Basil! I can’t even begin to describe the amount of joy Basil, an unexpected gift, has brought me throughout the years. My life wouldn’t be the same without him.

Today I find myself in a similar position, four years later. I’ve taken many big leaps (some scary ones) since moving from North Carolina. Leaps in business, relationships, and most recently, the leap into motherhood. I remember the day I left. I was a blubbering mess and my heart was heavy. Something, however, guided me to the Pacific Northwest. It was in Oregon that I first met Melanie, my full-time Etsy shop maven. I couldn't ask for a better assistant! She is positive, cheerful, hard-working, and loves cats ALMOST as much as me. (haha, if you're reading this Melanie!) Not long after moving to Oregon, Basil told me that he needed a companion. Clementine became part of our family.

It was also in Oregon that I met Eli, an unexpected blessing who is now my fiancee and father of my baby-on-the-way. We met at my dear friend Sarah McMurray's art party during one of the most transformative summers of my life. That summer, I made more friends than I could have ever imagined... I'm usually quite introverted, so this was a surprise. A few of us took a roadtrip to Big Sur, CA to see Beach House perform at the Henry Miller Library. We explored the Redwoods. We jumped off of cliffs and into water. We had stargazing parties. We slept on rooftops. We had house shows. We swam in lakes and camped in the forest. We just were, and it was so beautiful.

image on left by Joy Prouty

And it still is so beautiful. Even more so. Fast forward a year to October 2013, the month I found out I was pregnant. Eli and I were so happy to learn of this blessing. Wow how things can progress in such a short time. Upon learning of the news, we decided to leave our lovely Bend loft and move to a magical cabin in the woods. I have a studio right next to a rushing river and now, with the warm weather, everything is starting to turn green.

Being pregnant has been an amazing journey into the unknown. To be honest though, I've been in such an emotional haze. This is uncharted territory for me and I don't think any type of planning can truly prepare someone for what's to come. I've read so many books on pregnancy and labor, taken a prenatal yoga class, talked to oodles of moms, read countless baby blogs, and listened to so many Ina May Gaskin talks that I feel like I could make The Business of Being Born pt. 2 (just kidding of course!) As much as I love filling my brain with knowledge and information about this very important subject, there is something deep within me telling me to just be still. To gather my own strength and listen to my intuition. Women have been birthing for eons. I keep wondering why this completely natural process has become so fear-based. I do have some apprehension of what's to come, but I'm learning to transform that anxiousness into strength and power.

I can't even tell you how excited I am to meet our baby in a few weeks. I had a dream that I saw him as an infant and then through every stage of his life - all the way into adulthood. He had long curly brown hair, brown eyes, and a dimple on each cheek. He was (and is) beautiful. Intuitively, I know there will be challenges in parenting that I can't even imagine right now. I also know there will be moments of sheer joy and depths of love I have not yet been to. Eli and I are so ready to shower our baby with love and see the world through his new eyes.

So here's a warm thank you to my friends, family, and even those of you I've never actually "met." Your encouragement and support has propelled me into places I once only dreamed of. I am so happy to be alive and experience heaps of beauty, love, and wonder on a daily basis.

With gratitude and so much love,
Katie Daisy

Magic Summer

2012-07-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hello beauties, how are you? How is your summer shaping up? I must say... mine is turning out to be rather magical. There's a certain enchantment swirling around my days, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Cumulus cloud canopies? Naps in the grass? Serendipitous encounters? A combination of it all, perhaps? I've been compiling a list of sweet summer moments that I've experienced throughout the years (and some that I haven't yet) and I'd love to share them with you. Maybe one or two might inspire you to embrace your magic summer.

Camping on the beach
Hiking through the Redwoods
Cliff jumping into a lake or river
Driving hwy 1
Iced coffee & journaling at an outdoor cafe
Eating strawberries straight from the vine
Finding giant moths & tiny toads at dusk
Sleeping during a wild storm
Mineral baths with the windows open
Moonshine out of a mason jar
Getting lost in an unfamiliar town
Canoe trips that creep into the night
Making love in a pasture
Digging carrots in the sun
Raccoons in your backyard
Rosewater & lavender cocktails
Snapping turtle ponds
Unlikely friendships
Sheer, gauzey dresses in the breeze
Delicious solitude
Reading Walden on a pier as the sun goes down
Muddy feet & messy hair
Dimly lit apartments & sweet summer air
Walks with your lover down a dirt path
Kissing in the pines
Dreams that become reality
Driving through the desert
Wild Maine blueberries
Firefly extravaganzas in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Skinny dipping & back floating in a cloud painted lake
Packing up and heading out
Iced maple latte
Naming constellations from a rooftop
Daydreaming under giant sequoias
Summer night playlists: Beth Orton, Nick Drake, Iron & Wine
Receiving a bouquet of wildflowers
Taking a train to Montana
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Diving in
Strawberry pie
Outdoor showers
Full moon adventures
A car full of camping gear
Farm stands in the middle of nowhere
Barn kittens

Tell me how you're spending your summer ♥

I have a blog!?

2012-06-25T02:28:00.000-07:00

Whoa! It's been MONTHS since my last post... I guess that's what happens when you're a painter with a bad case of wanderlust. Well, it seems to me as though I've landed in the lovely town of Bend, Oregon. Have you been? After living in Portland for 8 months, I've become a little soggy. I'm currently residing in the high desert, drying out :) Bend is quite lovely and my place reminds me of a sweet little Parisian loft. It has exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, huuuge windows and a luxurious clawfoot bathtub. Heavenly, really! Not to mention, the farmers market is RIGHT BELOW my window. I found it on allofcraigs.com. It's a website that lets you search ALL of Craigslist (hence the name!)I think I typed in "exposed brick" and "clawfoot." Take a look:
I'm loving that Bend is a relatively a small town full of nature & friendly folks. I hardly know anyone (psst... introduce yourself!) but that's one of my favorite things about moving somewhere new - making new connections! I've found a lot of good nooks here, and a few really great ones. My favorite coffee shop (which I frequent on a daily basis) is Lone Pine. They make a delicious maple latte. Thump is a close second, as I love their lavender mocha. I'm also a regular at Dudley's. It's a cafe/book shop/cozy hang out for anyone looking to melt into a novel for a few hours while sipping on a cup o' chamomile. I was there the other day during a rainstorm and it was one of the most magical moments I've experienced in a while.

I got rid of my car a year back in Asheville, and I figured it was about time to get a new mode of transportation. Pictured above is my new Electra bike with sweet Clementine in the front basket. Projects & Etsy have been steady which is a great blessing. I just finished a fun project for Natural Vines, a natural licorice company based out of Bend. Here's a sneak peek of what I've been working on:

I've also been dreaming of Paris a lot :) I've never been out of the country, but hopefully by next year that will change. I'd love to go to Italy or France... New Zealand, Australia... Bali? I created this quick little illustration tonight while watching Midnight in Paris. Have you seen it? One of my all time favorite movies!

Well, I think that's enough of an update for now. How are all of you? Enjoying the summer? Any fun summer plans? Sending love to all of you everywhere!

It's a Wonderful Life

2012-01-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hello dear ones, and welcome to 2012! Have you ever made a life list? Things to accomplish in this life...? Here's the one that's been hiding out in my sketchbook:
1. Jump off a rock into the ocean
2. Eat pizza in Naples
3. Lay in a lavender field in Provence (or anywhere!)
4. Own a beautiful 200yr old farm house
5. Make a line of fabric
6. Bathe in hibiscus flowers in Bali
7. Have garden with poppies, daisies, cosmos, crickets & hummingbirds
8. Create an outdoor bathtub/sacred space to bathe in every day of summer
9. Make a strawberry pie from scratch
10. Stay in a yurt on the ocean (accomplished this last week!!)
11. Live out of an airstream for a while... pick up and move wherever/whenever. Set up camp in National Forests, seashores...
12. Climb a mountain
13. Hike the Appalachian Trail
14. Learn to Sew
15. Live in New Zealand
16. Skinny dip (again ;))
17. Learn every constellation recorded
18. Sit in stillness every day for at least one hour
19. Marvel at the Northern Lights
20. See the French Riviera
21. Learn to SURF!

- - - -

There are sooo many more things in my noggin that I'd love to accomplish. Let's see how many of these I can complete in 2012!

What's on your list?

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-31T03:25:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends. How are you? Can you believe another year has passed us by? All of 2011's moments are gone with the summer breeze ...or maybe collected in your heart? I know I've collected so many memories, friends & lessons from 2011.

Oh MY, what a wonderful year it was... perhaps my favorite yet. I have SO MUCH to be grateful for. Here's a list of fifty sweet-as-honey 2011 highlights:

Rung in the new year with my best friends at an Avett Brother's show

Lived in beautiful, beautiful Asheville, North Carolina and shared a country dream home with two amazing women, a kitty and a clawfoot tub.

Perhaps 2011's most magical moment: I rode a bicycle through a forest wearing only a bikini. At the end of the trail I swam in a lake with a horse.

Illustrated the book Heart Thoughts by Louise Hay - coming out February 2012.

Soaked atop a drizzly North Carolina mountain in a hot tub.

Got a gym membership and became really active (for a while!)

Danced my heart out at an Asheville drum circle

Saw my artwork on an American Greetings Valentine's Day endcap

Had a Thai massage that rejuvenated my mind, body & spirit

Witnessed my best friend Heather get married

Drank lots of Silver Needles & Tulsi tea at my favorite teahouse, Dobra

Met my spiritual mentor, Alia

Had my first facial and felt like a brand new person

Realized that being alone is a gift

Took part in a great art collaboration with my dear friends Peter & Kima

Painted butterflies, flowers & lettering for Target's spring line. Saw my art on teapots, gift bags, mugs & so much more.

Created packaging illustration for Sunbites

Had my heart broken

Had my heart mended

Witnessed a misty mountain firefly extravaganza. I will never see anything like it again.

Tried moonshine... and really liked it.

My notecard set debuted with teNeues

Had the best iced coffee of my life at The Mill in Lincoln, Nebraska

Illustrated 10 cards for Madison Park Greetings - to debut in 2012

Had gum surgery (ouch!) and finally got my teeth in healthy spirits.

Took my Basil cat on oodles of walks through the mountains. He would follow alongside me with his fur poofed up.

Participated in several craft shows and a few gallery shows

Moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest for a new adventure with Luke

Ate the most delicious salmon crepe ever.

Had an amazing dream about a farmhouse, ferris wheel & a Milky Way meteor shower

Learned (and still learning) to love rain

Met the Pacific Ocean and stood in awe (first picture)

Saw my first look at my home decor/garden line with Demdaco - to debut 2012

Bought a pink Christmas Tree

T-Shirts!

Played countless games of Scrabble

Let go of what didn't serve me

Let go of many insecurities

Created album art & posters for several musicians

Met & hired the most wonderful studio assistant, Melanie

Designed a blog for Ashley

Saw my art published in several magazines & publications

Reached 9,313 Etsy sales

Met some of my favorite Portland artists

Illustrated a journal for Chronicle Books - out in 2012

Created art for Portland's Alt Weekly - Willamette Week

Spent $456 in one trip to the Post Office (mailing Christmas orders!)

Momentarily lost track of my bliss... but began to chase it again.

Felt a (mostly) constant flow of abundance

Made the entire year (actually THREE years!) without getting sick -- not even a cold!

- - - - - -

It really has been incredible and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store. Although 2011 brought some amazing experiences, there are areas I need to nurture a bit more. For example - I should be exercising regularly, spending less time online (more time in stillness), becoming a bit more stable with my finances, nurturing my relationships and above all, really looking within and asking whether I'm living the most authentic life possible.

Much laughter, light and happiness to you all in 2012.

SO MUCH LOVE!!

Katie Daisy

Pathless Woods

2011-12-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

Companion piece to my "Wild & Free" painting...

"There is pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more"

- Lord Byron

Rain, coffee & art!

2011-10-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Eek! Sure has been a while since my last blog post. How are you all? I'm busy as a bee over here in Portland, OR! I'm trying to get used to the rainy, grey days... which to the locals, haven't even "started" yet!
I've been working on a few huuuuge projects including: a line of greeting cards, illustrating a book for a well-known author (stay tuned for details!), a blog re-design, a magazine cover, iPhone cases, and more! Because of all this freelance work, I've gotten a little behind on my Etsy orders... which brings me to the next bit of exciting news:

I have an assistant! Her name is Melanie and she's the lovely talent behind Soma Venus and Rad Cat. She's a total cat lady -(works at a shelter, professional kitty photographer)so we most definitely get along. So far, we've done a little work and a lot of cat things. Or is it the other way around!? ;) I'm super grateful for her assistance and I hope she likes her new job!

Up top are 3 new paintings + a self portrait in my new studio! I really love the house we're living in... a super sweet 2 bedroom house with lots of character & charm.

Well, that's all for now... Have a lovely day, friends!

Daisy

Savor Beauty

2011-09-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Savor & add to the beauty around you :)

Prairie Camping

2011-08-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

My best friend Heather is getting married! To celebrate, we went camping at Nachusa Grasslands in rural Illinois... it was SO much fun.

Our camping night included: campfire stories, almonds, chocolate, pita chips, cookies, a night hike and lots of stargazing :)

Did you hear? I'm moving to Portland, Oregon! I've officially fled the state of North Carolina for a change of scenery. I've loved every minute of Asheville, but the gypsy in me is saying, "time to move!" I'm excited to be closer to the ocean... collecting treasures on the beach and getting new inspiration.

For now, I'm in Northern Illinois until Heather gets married -- I'm her maid of honor! Shortly after that, I'll round up Luke and Basil and high tail it out to the Pacific Northwest. Adventure awaits!

Summertime Soiree

2011-07-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

A new summer afternoon-inspired pattern ♥

Travels West

2011-07-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

My sweetie Luke and I recently took a trip out west to Nebraska, South Dakota & Minnesota. Here are a few shots of our travels...(all taken with a cheapy disposable camera!) We have so much fun together :)

I'm convinced that the little yellow house was mine in a previous life... I love it dearly!

Have you traveled at all this summer? If so, where?
xo

Summer Sales

2011-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

It's summertime! That means it's also art sale time. I've had a ton of fun so far this summer with the shows I've participated in. These images are from my most recent art show at Freshly, a sweet boutique in Denver, NC and The Big Love Fest in Asheville, NC. It's been interesting to experiment with display elements. Vintage linens, chipped up barn wood furniture & ever-so-sweet buntings made by the lovely Jessie have played a big role in my setups.

I'm currently having a display built by the super-talented Darlene of Hatchett Designs. Can't wait to share what she comes up with!

The next show I'm taking part in is The Big Crafty in downtown Asheville. It's on Sunday, July 10th - mark your calendars! There'll be tons of amazing vendors, food, music... Hope to see you then!

I'd love to hear about your festival/craft show displays :)

Patience, Please

2011-06-09T22:41:00.001-07:00

Please remember this... it's so very important.

Stillness Speaks

2011-05-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

 "All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." - Eckhart Tolle

Beautiful Evening

2011-05-21T22:24:00.001-07:00

Wildflowering

2011-05-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Having fun with some new patterns. Look for these on notecards soooon :)

Goodies from the North

2011-04-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip North (Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota) where I found all sorts of delicious things. I collect vintage hankies and was soooo thrilled to stumble upon the most beautiful prints for $1 a piece! I also found an amazing vintage Valentine, a sweet little chocolate box & gold foil letters.

Yippee!

Beauty

2011-04-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Made from scanned doilies, vintage embroidery, watercolor, acrylic & gold foil letters :)

Pocketful of Posies

2011-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mountain Gig Poster

2011-03-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a little gig poster I did for Asheville band, Uncle Mountain. There will be some space at the bottom for the guys to write in their show info. That way, if they have gigs in multiple cities, they can use one poster & just change the details! How handy...

I hope they like it!

My Idols

2011-03-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

 1. Olaf Hajek  2. Gina & Matt  3. Grady McFerrin

There really are no words to describe the utter fascination I have with these three artists. They've all had a tremendous influence on my work and I am in awe of their talent and skill. I LOVE THEM!

Oh, the Sea!

2011-03-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Another saltwater-themed piece :) Watercolor/acrylic. Avail in my Etsy shop!

Salty Air

2011-03-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Dreaming tonight of waves & constellations. Watercolor, acrylic, some digital collage. Print available at my Etsy shop. ♥